Pictured above: Gethin Jones with students (photo by Holly
Hardiman)
TV presenter Gethin Jones has been talking to students at the
University of Lincoln about working in the media as part of a visit
arranged by Brayford Hotels - the developer behind the new
DoubleTree by Hilton.
Gethin, who is helping Richard Farrar, Leigh Hall and Dean Wann
from Brayford Hotels to promote the new venture, was keen to share
his experiences with the students and strengthen the links between
the hotel and the local community.
Twenty-five Media Production and Journalism students attended
the workshop on Wednesday (16th February) to ask Gethin questions
about his career and how he managed to get his first job in
television.
Third year Journalism student Holly Hardiman said: I've found
today very interesting. It was great to talk to Gethin and although
I'd rather work behind the camera than in front of it this was a
fantastic opportunity to listen to someone who's had a really
amazing career so far."
Gethin, who performed the hotel's sod cutting ceremony in June
last year, said he really enjoys visiting the city.
"Lincoln is beautiful and the Brayford Pool is the perfect
setting for the new DoubleTree by Hilton; it's a stone's throw from
the High Street and the university which is one of the reasons why
I was so keen to meet some of the staff and students.
"Today has been a lot of fun and I've been able to tell them
loads of exciting stuff about the hotel and about my career in the
media so far. Some want to be on camera and some behind it while
others would rather be a newspaper or magazine journalist.
"I'm one of the lucky people who can say they really enjoy their
job and if I can help anyone fulfil their ambitions of working in
the media I am more than happy to do so."
As well as answering the students' questions and being
interviewed on community radio station Siren FM Gethin went on a
tour of the hotel which is in the early stages of construction.
Richard Farrar from Brayford Hotels said he was delighted to be
able to show Gethin the progress so far.
"The hotel is really beginning to take shape and the steel
framework is almost complete," said Richard. "The views from the
back of the hotel of the cathedral and the front across the
Brayford and out towards the South of the city are
amazing.
"I asked Gethin if he would come and talk to the students and I
was delighted although not surprised when he said yes. Gethin is a
great advocate for the hotel and for his profession.
"There will be lots of opportunities for students and local
residents to get involved with DoubleTree by Hilton and Brayford
Hotels and we are happy to support the university and the wider
community in any way we can.
"This could be by offering jobs and work experience placements
or by providing contemporary and spacious accommodation in what
will be Lincoln's only four-star hotel."